Everton director of football Marcel Brands has named a permanent deal for on-loan midfielder Andre Gomes his priority heading into the January transfer window with other targets lined up, according to the Daily Mail.
The newspaper claim in a club-by-club guide ahead of the winter market that the Toffees are looking at a move for a striker but that will likely come in summer, with turning Gomes’ loan from Barcelona into a permanent move the senior chief’s number one target in what is no doubt an exciting deal for the club.
It is stated that the Goodison Park outfit are also looking for a new back up goalkeeper to play understudy to number one Jordan Pickford.
Good move for Everton?
Gomes has been one of the Toffees’ stand out performers this season and so it is no surprise to see the club looking at turning his loan move into a permanent deal.
He has brought a classiness to the midfield that was not there before his arrival and he has settled into the Premier League like a fish to water.
The negotiations with Barcelona are likely to come down to the asking price set on his head, with the Portuguese international unlikely to forge any meaningful career at the Nou Camp and so while Everton might have to splash the cash, he himself is likely to want to see a move given the green light.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
This is where things get tricky. Everton obviously want to make it happen and the player seems to be enjoying his time on Merseyside, but are Barcelona willing to sell in January?
They could be looking at bringing him back in the summer before selling him on for a hefty profit after an impressive season in the Premier League, which would ruin the Toffees’ hopes of signing him this winter.
Everton need to push the boat out to snap him up.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10